Of Flame, Sand, and Gold

r didn't get it

at remained aft

f char and coal thick in the air. These streets tolerated visitors in a way that seemed like they

sture tense but composed. She hadn't asked many questions s

e looked. She didn't sp

," she said softly as they turne

d at her. "I'

alks like a soldier and blee

dn't

"Because if I'm going to be hunted for walking beside

d. "There are pieces missing. Gaps in my mind. Names I can't place. F

right away. Then: "Th

t

unken into the street, its sign scorched and unreadable. Inside,

d chains. His skin was papery; his left eye was f

come for

orward. "I've co

ough your past first," the

tightened. "S

table covered in scrolls a

exchanged a glance,

with what looked like two trees; one blacken

what this i

shook h

lines that carried the Ember; the power that made

, heartbeat spiking.

man said. "Your ch

inked. "W

upright, h

owned. "She di

heart s

is voice barely

ly, the room tilti

. Pre

s mind flooded with questions. Why didn't she tell him? Had she planned to? D

me. "That child will be hunted, Kaelen.

ed hard. "What

he Flame is not dead. And if it bur

er voice. "And if it do

lood that bears it," the ma

- fractured as they were - swirled like ash

at whispered in dreams. The mark o

asked quietly

old world never ended, Kaelen. It only

scroll. His mind screamed too much, too much. B

n't just

ger - or the sh

heir

as the

Saltana. "W

nked. "

ind Z

d t

n't he

the path